The National Agency for the Control of AIDS, NACA, has described the newly installed 10,000-litre oxygen plant at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, UCTH, as the most comprehensive oxygen system in Nigeria’s South-South region.
NACA Director-General, Dr. Temilope Ilori while inspecting the facility in Calabar commended the plant donated under the Global Fund COVID-19 RM grant, implemented by the Federal Government through NACA.
Ilori said the C19 RM grant was designed to strengthen Nigeria’s health system post-COVID-19 by providing essential medical equipment. UCTH, she noted, benefited from a 10,000-litre oxygen plant, over 400 oxygen cylinders, humidifiers, concentrators, and pulse oximeters to boost emergency and critical care services.
She added that Cross River State also received fully functional PSA oxygen plants in Ogoja, already serving surrounding communities, and another in Ikom awaiting commissioning.
READ ALSO:Archbishop Kaigama worries against mental health crises
Ilori said the state received one of the most extensive oxygen upgrades in the region, valued at about $800,000, backed by a five-year warranty, maintenance support, and spare parts. She stressed the need for strong state ownership, skilled personnel, and sustained maintenance to secure long-term impact.
UCTH Chief Medical Director, Prof. Ikpeme Ikpeme, said the hospital operates the plant under a revolving fund model to guarantee sustainability. Revenue generated is paid into a TSA sub-account to finance servicing and refills. He noted that UCTH meets its oxygen demand before supplying other facilities due to the high need across its ICUs, neonatal units, and emergency departments.
Ikpeme said the new Accident and Emergency complex will further expand the hospital’s oxygen requirements with added ICUs, trauma theatres, and neonatal units. He described the plant’s installation two years ago as a turning point, ending oxygen shortages and delivering high-quality medical oxygen superior to many PSA systems in the region.
